'Napoli will make jump in class'

Walter Mazzarri feels victory over Genoa this weekend will confirm that Napoli have made a jump in class under his command.

Napoli currently lie joint third in Serie A as the half-way point of the season approaches and some pundits believe that they are dark horses for the Scudetto.

"It will be a delicate match against Genoa. We will find ourselves in a difficult environment," Mazzarri said.

"Davide Ballardini's side are one that's in good health. They were protagonists in the transfer market this season. They signed Luca Toni and then there is the 12th man effect at Marassi which shouldn't be underestimated.

"The fans support their team for 95 minutes. We must be careful and concentrate on the pitch without thinking about anything else.

"I want a performance like the one we gave against Palermo both in the active and passive phases of play. We mustn't lower our guard.

"We never give up. That's our characteristic. Only this way can we make a definitive jump in class.

"We must know how to manage such an important victory. We have to forget all the praise and always have respect for our opponents," he concluded.